Every story follows the same basic plot structure, whether it be a romance or an action story that follows the hero's journey.
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Hi, all! In class we learned about the exposition and conflict of a story. In case you missed it, or you need some remediation, here are the notes and some helpful links.
"Checkouts" by Cynthia Rylant is a short story about two young people who meet each other at the checkout line at a grocery store. Each fantasizes about speaking to the other but, ultimately, neither do. The story focuses heavily on the power of the imagination and how much more deeply fun the imagination and anticipation of something or someone can be.
Remember how badly you were ready to enter high school? As an 8th graders, you were so excited to step into the high school doors. In high school, you would be a whole new person. An adult, even. (I mean, you do think you're grown, right?) The anticipation of high school was coursing through your veins like adrenaline. Then... you start high school for real, and as exciting as it is, it just isn't as good as the anticipation or fantasy of it that you had. Or maybe a better example is imagining yourself getting a puppy from a shelter or a breeder. You imagine that puppy being your best friend. You would sleep together, play together, and grow together. You go to the shelter or the breeder, you pick out your puppy, you bring your puppy home.... and the reality of having to actually take care of it pops your imagination bubble. That puppy is amazing and all, but it does poop and pee a lot... And even better example is you anticipating talking to your crush. You imagine you getting married to your crush, starting a family, and being together forever. The fantasy is so amazing and beautiful. Don't you think that the two characters in the story feel that way too? The story is open ended so you, the reader, can imagine an alternate, personal ending to the story. What do you think could happen at the end? Do they chat in the parking lot? Do they go their separate ways and never see each other again? Was there already a connection between them while they were waiting in the checkout line? I'll let you think on that. |
AuthorHi, all! My name is Kaitlin Mauro. I'm an English teacher, mother, dog mom, sushi lover, and obsessed with all things grammar and literature. I have two little boys named Davide and Liam, and I'm married to an adorable Italian man named Alessio. |